RBM pumps K3m into basketball tourney

Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) Governor Dalitso Kabambe, through his office, has given Basketball Association of Malawi (Basmal) K3 million as top-up for the second edition of the King and Queen of the Court National Basketball Tournament.

The tournament is organised by Basmal with sponsorship from sister companies GY Imports and Exports, Dr Print and Bravehearts Trading to the tune of K7 million. It involves both the men’s and women’s categories and final games are slated for this weekend at Civo Court in Lilongwe.

Made the gesture: Kabambe

RBM spokesperson Mbane Ngwira confirmed the development yesterday, saying the donation follows a recent request made by Basmal.

He said: “Basmal came with a number of issues such as the status of the game in terms of courts, sponsorship of clubs and tournaments. So, we had a discussion and we looked at the immediate needs and the governor thought it wise to contribute a little towards the King and Queen of the Court, which is a national tournament.

“We mostly believe in sports activities because they bring people together and help in mental development and physical fitness.

“It was also a token of appreciation towards the role that Basmal is playing in developing the sport.”

On his part, Basmal general secretary (GS) Edgar Ng’ong’ola hailed RBM, and the governor in particular, for the gesture.

“We are thankful to the governor and the RBM for their contribution. This is the first time in the history of the game that the winning team will receive K2 million [up from K1.2 million], as a result of the governor’s gesture.

“We are proud as a basketball family of the milestones the sport is achieving. We have the Minister of Labour, Youth, Sports and Manpower Development Francis Kasaila together with the RBM governor among other high-profile dignitaries coming to watch the final games this Sunday. We urge all sports lovers to come and witness this grand event,” he said.

“And for the first time, we are going to have all the final games and the event beamed live on DSTV through Zodiak TV. Special thanks should go to our sponsors GY Imports and Exports for this initiative. This, surely, is extra motivation for the qualifying teams.” n